Lessons from the Fluff Monster

Meet Cheyenne “Shy”, my four year old fur child who epitomizes the type of humans I think we all should be.
If she could speak human language, here’s the knowledge I think she’d bestow upon all of us.

1. Do things that make your tail wag.

There are a select few phrases I can say that excite Shy: “outside”, “treat”. “go get it” and “good girl”.

Other than that, she’s not interested. The girl knows what she likes. Anything she does do, she does with all of her heart. No ball or stick stands a chance against her fluffy inner drive.

2. Forgive and forget.

There are days when I don’t give Shy chest rubs (her fave) or give her a good enough goodbye but her spirit holds no grudges. She’ll always greet me with a smile and wiggly butt, ready for love. She’s always open for companionship.

3. Spread happiness.

Shy knows no strangers. Her curiousity and open demeanor always makes us a few friends wherever we go. Petting this adorable dang face makes smiling a requirement for all who cross it.

*Disclaimer: do not approach someone with a wiggly butt and asked to be pet.

That’s just weird. Just be a nice human.

4. Let your comfort lift others up.

Although Shy can’t understand the complexitities of things that make me feel low, her simple presence gives me comfort.

You don’t always need all the answers to be a good friend. Being present for someone is golden.

5. Listen to your instincts.

Need I say more?

7. Don’t let bullies stop you from playing life.

Shy is usually the less dominant dog around but she still tries to play with the pack in her own way. Don’t let the bullies keep you from participating.

8. Act happy.

I like to pretend Cheyenne has deep thoughts when we’re laying around, but she’s probably just thinking about when I’ll throw the ball again or why in the world I try to talk to her. Regardless of what goes on in that head of hers, she’s always cheerful and ready to take on whatever adventure I call her to do (except the bathtub adventure).

I can always rely on her consistent cheerfulness to make me happy. Even when I make her take selfies with me…

Despite the fact that our adored pets perceive the world entirely differently than we do, they can teach us many lessons for life.